1997 MERCEDES-BENZ ML350 sensor

REMAINING DISTANCE FUNCTION - GF00.20-P-2007A
MODEL 129 as of 1.6.97
MODEL 140 as of 1.6.97
MODEL 163
MODEL 168
MODEL 170 as of 1.6.97
MODEL 202 as of 1.6.97
MODEL 208 up to 31.7.99
MODEL 210 as of 1.3.97 up to 30.6.99
The service intervals which are possible with ASSYST range
on engines with oil sensor (e.g. 112, 113, 166, 611) between 15 000 and 30 000 km,
for the new direct injection diesel engine 668 between 20 000 and 40 000 km,
for engines with oil level switch between 15 000 and 22 500 km (for engine 602.982 between 20 000 and
30 000 km).
The service interval achieved depends on the start distance and the driving conditions (cf. remaining
distance).
Start distance and remaining distance
Start distance refers to the service interval in km/miles which is the minimum distance which may be driven
until the next service. On engines with oil sensor (e.g. 112, 113, 166, 611, 668) this applies only, however, if the
specified quantity of oil has been added during the oil change.
The start distance is dependent on:
the set quality factors
(The quality factors are factory-set to a basic setting. They can be altered with the HHT, if operating
conditions so necessitate.)
The start distance is not dependent on the driving conditions (weighting of the distance driven) and on any oil
replenishments .
The standard value is normall
y 15 000 km, for the new direct injection diesel engine 668 20 000 km.

2004 Mercedes-Benz ML350
1998-2005 GENINFO Overall vehicle - 163 Chassis
me
Saturday, October 02, 2010 3:47:47 PMPage 203 © 2006 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

The figure may differ from this, however, depending on quality factors.
The start distance is automatically reset to its initial value by the oil change reset each time the oil is changed.
The start distance is an internal computed quantity and cannot be displayed in the instrument cluster. It is
possible to display the start distance with the HHT.
What is normally displayed in the instrument cluster is the remaining distance .
The remaining distance is the same as the start distance immediately after the oil change. On engines with oil
sensor (e.g. 112, 113, 166, 611, 668) this applies only, however, if the specified quantity of oil has been added
during the oil change.
The remaining distance is the distance which remains from the current kilometer reading until the next
service. The possible length of the interval is at least as great as the remaining distance displayed
immediately after an oil change, and is at the most twice the start distance.
The remaining distance is dependent on
the start distance
the driving conditions (a weighting of the distance driven takes place)
any oil replenishments in the case of engines with oil sensor (e.g. 112, 113, 166, 611, 668)
Consequently, ASSYST also takes into account the driving conditions: In the case of a favorable weighting
(e.g. small number of cold starts, no high engine revs, small number of short-distance trips, minimum extent of
towing a trailer etc.) and oil replenishments, the driver is provided with a bonus which extends the remaining
distance and thus the service interval. Account is also taken of whether the vehicle is actually driven or whether
the engine runs at idle speed. ASSYST is constantly supplied with the data regarding the current operating
conditions of the vehicle for this purpose.
In the case of the best weighting , only 0.6 km are added for each kilometer driven.
In the case of the most unfavorable weighting of the distance (e.g. frequent short-distance trips, large number
of cold starts), the remaining distance and thus the service interval is smaller than in the case of the most
favorable weighting (assuming identical quality factors).
In the case of the most unfavorable weighting, up to 3 km are added for each kilometer driven.
The start distance and the remaining distance are once again presented in the form of a graph in the diagram
opposite, taking the example of gasoline engines
Each time the oil is changed, the start and remaining distances are set to the initial value. In this case, the
normal value of 15 000 km is entered as the start distance (top bar) (shaded + dark section). The start distance
may differ from 15 000 km (e.g. 14 000 km; shaded section) if the quality factors do not correspond to the basic
setting. In the case of engines fitted with oil sensor (e.g. 112, 113, 166) the start distance may also be less than
15 000 km if the specified oil quantity was not added during the oil change. The remaining distance (bottom
bar) is always 15 000 km, however, immediately after an oil change. In addition, the service interval is
always at least 15 000 km .

2004 Mercedes-Benz ML350
1998-2005 GENINFO Overall vehicle - 163 Chassis
me
Saturday, October 02, 2010 3:47:47 PMPage 204 © 2006 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

The total remaining distance and thus the service interval may be increased to not more than twice the start
distance, 30 000 km in this case (white section) as a result of corresponding bonuses (favorable weighting of
distances driven) and in the case of engines fitted with oil sensor (e.g. 112, 113, 166).
Fig. 321: Start And Remaining Distance Graph

However, a start distance of less than 15 000 km results in a reduction in the maximum attainable service
interval.
Refer also to the diagrams in the document "Engine oil monitoring".
Warning threshold (km)
With the HHT it is possible to set a warning threshold between 250 km and 8000 km for the remaining distance.
This warning threshold is set differently for 3 different distances driven. The system adjusts to the correct
annual distance driven by calculating the daily distance driven (refer to table):
Display of remaining distance (The readout is shown in kilometers or miles depending on the national code.):
at driver request
automatically, after 5 s start switch in position 2 or driving if the warning threshold is reached :
The warning symbol and the readout: "SERVICE IN .... KM" appears for 10 s. (On models not fitted with
multifunction display, the service symbol appears together with the remaining distance in kilometers,
from mid July 97 "... km".)
automatically, after 5 s start switch in position 2 or driving if the remaining distance is exceeded :
In this case, the readout "KM .... EXCEEDED" appears together with the service symbol for 30 s (up to
mid July 97 for 10 s). (On models not fitted with multifunction display, the service symbol appears
together with the remaining distance with a negative sign in kilometers as a flashing display, as of mid
July 97 "... km".)
As of approx. 06.97 a brief warning signal sounds in addition.

2004 Mercedes-Benz ML350
1998-2005 GENINFO Overall vehicle - 163 Chassis
me
Saturday, October 02, 2010 3:47:47 PMPage 205 © 2006 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

The remaining distance is displayed with a resolution of 100 km.
If a speed limit is set at the cruise control, the speed limit appears for a short moment in the display before
the ASSYST text.
In the normal case, it is the remaining distance which is displayed. However, the time information is always
processed in the background to enable the attention of "low-mileage drivers" to be drawn to any service due.
The remaining distance is compared each day with the remaining time. In certain circumstances, the display
switches over, and it is the remaining time which is displayed ( see document "Remaining time").
If certain measured values are not supplied to the ASSYST system, e.g. because of failure of a sensor, it
switches over to stored substitute values. A corresponding entry is made in the fault memory of the relevant
control module.
The data are retained if the operating voltage is disconnected or fails.
REMAINING TIME FUNCTION - GF00.20-P-2008A
Active service system
(ASSYST) operating
informationEngines with oil sensor
(e.g. 112, 113, 611)GF00.20-P-0003-01A
Model 210 as of 01.03.97
with engines 111, 602,
604, 605, 606
Model 129, 140, 170, 202
as of 06.97 except engine
112, 113, 611
(Valid for engines with
oil level switch.)GF00.20-P-0003-01B
Active service system
(ASSYST) display
facilities GF00.20-P-0003-04A
Remaining time function GF00.20-P-2008A
Engine oil monitor
functionEngines with oil sensor
(e.g. 112, 113, 611)GF00.20-P-2009A
Model 210 as of 01.03.97
with engines 111, 602,
604, 605, 606
Model 129, 140, 170, 202
as of 06.97 except engine
112, 113, 611
(Valid for engines with
oil level switch.)GF00.20-P-2009B
Displaying service
functionModel 129, 202 as of 8.99
Model 163 as of 1.00
Model 168 as of 9.99
Model 170 as of 12.99GF00.20-P-2010B

2004 Mercedes-Benz ML350
1998-2005 GENINFO Overall vehicle - 163 Chassis
me
Saturday, October 02, 2010 3:47:47 PMPage 206 © 2006 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

Warning threshold (in days)
With the HHT it is possible to set a warning threshold of between 5 and 30 days for the remaining time, with a
stepwidth of one day. The basic setting is 30 days.
Display of remaining time
The remaining time is always only displayed in those cases where the following condition is met:
Remaining time (in days) x 40 < remaining distance (in km), and the warning threshold is reached.
The remaining time is displayed in the following cases:
automatically, after 5 s start switch in position 2 or driving, if the warning threshold is reached:
The service symbol and the readout "SERVICE IN ... DAYS" appears for 10 seconds. (On vehicles not
fitted with multifunction display, the current remaining time, the service and the clock symbol appear.)
automatically, after 5 s start switch in position 2 or driving, if the remaining time is exceeded:
The service symbol and the readout "DAYS ... EXCEEDED" appears for 30 s (for 10 s up to mid-July
97). (On vehicles not fitted with multifunction display, the service and the clock symbol appear. The
"remaining time" is displayed with a negative sign (minus sign). The readout flashes in this case.)
After the display reaches the maximum readout of -730 days, the readout remains at this figure! The
readout is displayed with a resolution of 1 day.
As of approx. 06.97 a brief warning signal sounds in addition.
at driver request. The readout is then displayed, as above, for 10 s.
If a speed limit is set at the cruise control, this speed limit is displayed for a short moment before the
ASSYST display.
If certain measured values are not supplied to the ASSYST, e.g. because of failure of a sensor, it switches to
stored substitute values. An appropriate entry is then made in the fault memory of the particular control module.
If the power supply fails, the data are retained. The times without operating voltage (battery disconnected) are
not recorded, however! They can be retroactively included, however, with the HHT.
Active service system
(ASSYST) operating
informationEngine with oil sensor
(e.g. 112, 113, 611)GF00.20-P-0003-01A
Model 210 as of 01.03.97
with engines 111, 602,
604, 605, 606
Model 129, 140, 170, 202 GF00.20-P-0003-01B

2004 Mercedes-Benz ML350
1998-2005 GENINFO Overall vehicle - 163 Chassis
me
Saturday, October 02, 2010 3:47:47 PMPage 208 © 2006 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

ENGINE OIL MONITOR FUNCTION - GF00.20-P-2009A
MODEL 129 with ENGINE 112, 113
MODEL 163 with ENGINE 112, 113, 612
MODEL 168 with ENGINE 166, 668
MODEL 202 with ENGINE 112, 611
MODEL 208 up to 31.7.99 with ENGINE 112, 113
MODEL 210 up to 30.6.99 with ENGINE 112, 113, 611
General
The oil level is constantly monitored by the oil sensor, and the appropriate data transmitted to the processor by
the ASSYST.
Oil replenishments are detected automatically and result in a bonus, which extends the service interval
accordin
gly.
as of 06.97 except engine
112, 113, 611
(Valid for engines with
oil level switch.)
Active service system
(ASSYST) display
facilities GF00.20-P-0003-04A
Remaining distance
function GF00.20-P-2007A
Engine oil monitor
functionEngine with oil sensor
(e.g. 112, 113, 611)GF00.20-P-2009A
Model 210 as of 01.03.97
with engines 111, 602,
604, 605, 606
Model 129, 140, 170, 202
as of 06.97 except engine
112, 113, 611
(Valid for engines with
oil level switch.)GF00.20-P-2009B
Displaying service
functionModel 129, 202 as of 8.99
Model 163 as of 1.00
Model 168 as of 9.99
Model 170 as of 12.99GF00.20-P-2010B

2004 Mercedes-Benz ML350
1998-2005 GENINFO Overall vehicle - 163 Chassis
me
Saturday, October 02, 2010 3:47:47 PMPage 209 © 2006 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

Possible readouts are (text in parenthesis relates to models not fitted with multifunction display.):
"OIL LEVEL OKAY" ("o.k."),
1.0L, 1.5L, 2L,
"Overfilling" ("HI"),
"OBSERVE WAITING TIME" (clock symbol flashing and oil can symbol),
"DISPLAY OIL LEVEL" (clock and oil can symbols.)
If there is a fault at the oil sensor (oil level/temperature/quality, B40) the oil can symbol and the text "OIL
LEVEL SENSOR FAULTY" appears only 30 s after the fault has occurred.
(On models not fitted with multifunction display, the oil level warning lamp (A1e12) comes on accordingly.)
For diagnosis, read also the injection system control module (N3) with the HHT. (The instrument cluster (A1)
receives the sensor data through the CAN from the injection system control module (N3)).
Oil change
The ASSYST has to be reset each time the oil is changed. Resetting ASSYST also resets the remaining time and
the remaining distance. Resetting can be performed at the instrument cluster or using the HHT. The following
data are stored when the system is reset:
current kilometer reading rounded off to 100,
total oil replenishments in the last interval,
remaining distance,
remaining time,
product of the quality factors,
the data of the last 5 resettings in 5 data sets
These data can only be read with the HHT!
If the specified quantity of oil is not replenished when the oil is changed, the (internal) start distance is
reduced.
Detecting oil replenishments
With the HHT it is possible to retrieve the last 10 oil replenishments and the corresponding kilometer
readings of the current interval.
In the normal case, detection of an oil replenishment is displayed by the remaining distance in the
instrument cluster being extended
Oil replenishments are always only detected once the following conditions are met:
the replenished quantit
y is at least

2004 Mercedes-Benz ML350
1998-2005 GENINFO Overall vehicle - 163 Chassis
me
Saturday, October 02, 2010 3:47:47 PMPage 211 © 2006 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

In the charts overleaf, a number of examples of this are presented. The horizontal (x) axis represents the service
interval and the vertical (y) axis is the remaining distance in each case in km.
conditions are met:
the replenished quantity is at least 1 l
after replenishing the oil, the car must be driven a distance of at least 5 km under normal driving
conditions at an oil temperature of at least 60°C
There are instances, however, in which the readout of the remaining distance nevertheless appears implausible
after replenishing oil; according to the display, no bonus or only a small bonus has been issued. This is caused
by the fact that the remaining distance is always only displayed within a range from 15 000 km up to 30 000 km
(or 20 000 km up to 40 000 km in the case of engine 668), but internally the system calculates with the actual
values which may also be beyond this range. These internal values can only be displayed with the HHT.
horizontal (x) axis represents the service interval and the vertical (y) axis is the remaining distance in each case
in km.
The readout of ASSYST in the instrument cluster always moves within the light range.
The remaining distance calculated internally may also, however, be within the two dark ranges. These internal
values can only be displayed with the HHT.
All examples relate to gasoline engines fitted with an oil sensor.
Example 1 :
Sufficient oil was added during the oil change. This means that the starting distance is 15 000 km.
After 10 000 km oil is topped up under normal driving conditions (a). The bonus (B1) is issued and displayed.
What this means is that when the remaining distance is retrieved, a greater remaining distance is displayed.
(Provided the aforementioned conditions for detecting the oil replenishment are met.)
Oil is topped up again after a further 5 000 km (b). In this case also a bonus (B2) is issued and displayed.
If, after this, no further oil is topped up and the car continues to be driven in the same manner, a service interval
of about 24 000 km is thus achieved.
In this example, the curve moves at all points within the light range of the chart; consequently, all the oil
replenishments are displayed by increasing the remaining distance.

2004 Mercedes-Benz ML350
1998-2005 GENINFO Overall vehicle - 163 Chassis
me
Saturday, October 02, 2010 3:47:47 PMPage 212 © 2006 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.